by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The down economy must have a thirst for coffee, as by the end of business today it will have swallowed two identifiable Downtown brewing staples within a week.
Shelby’s Coffee Shoppe, located in the Main Library, closed its doors last weekend and owner Steve Hicks is in the process of removing its equipment.
Hicks said he was sad to see it happen, as he’s invested much time, effort and money into the endeavor the past couple years. But, like other businesses forced to close their doors, the revenues just didn’t cover the expenses.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Hicks, “but I’m thankful to the mayor and staff as well as all of our loyal customers who really supported us.”
Though he’s closing the doors on the coffee, breakfast and lunch spot, Hicks isn’t straying away from the food industry. In his down time, he said he plans on becoming “Mr. Mom” for a bit while making up for lost time with his family, all the while pursuing chef certification at a culinary institute.
“Basically, I feel like a career change of sorts,” he said, noting his desire to remain in the food industry.
While the Downtown locale is closed, the Neptune Beach location owned by his mother and coffee shop namesake is doing better than the recent past.
“It’s seen the bottom and is on its way back up,” said Hicks, attributing the success to features like live music in the courtyard on Fridays and the acquisition of a beer and wine license. Shelby’s is in Neptune Beach between Sliders and Neptune Beach City Hall on First Street.
Hicks attributed some of the factors working against the Downtown store as the struggling economy, neighboring national food chains stark price adjustments the past year and a lack of affordable Downtown housing. Even considering those factors, Hicks isn’t down on Downtown.
“I have aspirations of coming back Downtown some time,” he said, “but it’ll have to be a different venue that allows gas.”
Misty Skipper, director of communications for Mayor John Peyton, said that officials are in the process of working with Hicks to resolve leasing issues before pursuing potential new tenants — something City officials will do.
“It’s certainly something we’ll be looking into for the future,” said Skipper.
While not as much of a surprise — it was announced last fall as one of the 600 stores across the country closing — the Starbucks in 11E on the corner of Main and Forsyth streets will pour its last cup of coffee today.
One loyal customer created a banner featuring the names, pictures and future plans of the store’s nine employees for other customers to sign their well wishes.
According to the banner, a couple employees will be transferring to other Starbucks locations in the area, while others will pursue different work or school ventures.
Through a statement, Starbucks representatives cited economic uncertainty for its announced closing and that the timing of each such closing varied on a number of factors. Some of the 600, like the 11 E. store, would be closed by the end of April, with the rest shut down by the end of the fiscal year.
Unaware of the franchise’s impending departure, Vestcor officials could not comment on the closing or future plans for the space.
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